Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ALMOST every other Castle Lager Premier Soccer League club has announced either leadership changes or recruitment of some of their new players ahead of the 2026 season, but certainly not Mutare outfit, Manica Diamonds.
The 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League relegation survivors have not uttered a word about their plans for the next season and all their fans know is that they have maintained Tafadzwa Mashiri as their head coach.
With the way they ended the 2025 season, where they survived the chop on the last day of the season, finishing the season on 10th position, much was expected from Manica Diamonds during off-season in terms of participation on the market.
Alas, the opposite appears to be true!
Not even their socials are as active as other top-flight league clubs.
For example, since the start of December 2025, their WhatsApp channel, with a lowly 1 000 followers, has only notified its fans of juniors’ coach, Hibron Makukutu’s birthday, appointment of coach Mashiri, a Christmas and New Year message as well as defender, Lawrence Masibera’s birthday.
Nothing else!
The silence is just deafening!
In basic literature studies, ‘deafening silence’ is an oxymoron describing a noticeable, overwhelming lack of sound or response, so profound it feels loud, often signifying disapproval, tension, or awkwardness when speech is expected.
It is a figurative expression highlighting the psychological impact of silence, making it feel as loud as a noise, especially in situations like an unanswered question or standoff.
By the same token, Manica Diamonds’ silence is just too loud!
When asked about his teams’ preparations ahead of the 2026 season, players signed so far and perhaps plans for a preseason camp, Mashiri could not say much.
“We have a few. Let us talk about signings when we are done,” said Mashiri.
Be that as it may, the rumour mill has it that exciting defender, Ask Rupande has remained committed to the Manica Diamonds cause by putting pen to paper for yet an undisclosed number of years.
Goalkeeper, Tedious Baye, is said to have opted out of the Manica Diamonds squad after expressing an interest to leave the team and so is diminutive yet slippery striker, Charles ‘Teko’ Teguru.
As Manica Diamonds remain mum on their preparations, newly promoted Hardrock FC unveiled new signing, Oncemore Uriri from the Central Region Soccer League side, Grain Tigers.
Uriri is one of the players unveiled by Hardrock and others include Edward Musena from Chicken Inn, Prince Gwetu from Gwanda Pirates, Nigel Matinha from MWOS FC and Shelton Sibanda from Kwekwe United.
According to reports, CAPS United has signed Malawi international striker, Lloyd Njaliwa on a two-year contract.
Njaliwa previously played in Mozambique at Costa-do-Sol where he spent three years before this recent move.
CAPS United has also been linked with a move to sign another Malawian player, Uchizi Vunga, as they aim to build up for the 2026 season.
According to reports in Malawi, Makepekepe has begun talks with Silver Strikers, where the player is currently attached.
Elsewhere, Warriors legend, Energy Murambadoro has joined Simba Bhora as goalkeepers’ coach.
Murambadoro recently parted ways with Chicken Inn after a five-year stay.
At Simba, the former CAPS United goalkeeper will be working under new head coach, Mandla Mpofu.
Other than Murambadoro, Simba Bhora has also roped in strength and conditioning coach, Brighton Chandisaita and Philani Mabhena as an assistant coach.
Highlanders utility player, Andrew Mbeba, has agreed to sign a new contract with the club which will see him until December 2026.
The utility player was the club’s best performer last season after being voted on the soccer star of the year calendar.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Benjamin, who was on loan from Gwanda Pirates has signed with Bosso.
Media reports indicate that Tymon Mvula has reunited with coach Tonderai Ndiraya after joining Chicken Inn FC.
Mvula signed with Scottland at the start of the 2025 season before being loaned to Yadah, where he spent the whole season.
Ndiraya has previously worked with Mvula at Simba Bhora and Dynamos respectively.
